Pete Golding's Next Move: Bringing a Division II Powerhouse to Ole Miss
In a move that's sure to shake up the college football world, sources reveal that Pete Golding is set to bring one of Division II's top coaches to Ole Miss. The identity of this coach? None other than Todd Cooley, a proven winner with an impressive track record at Delta State. With a focus on his role as assistant to the head coach and key involvement in high school relations, Golding is bringing a true powerhouse to the program.
Cooley's Journey to Delta State
Cooley's journey to Delta State began with a stop at Arkansas Tech, where he honed his skills as an offensive coordinator. He then moved on to Central Arkansas and Northwestern State, before landing the head coaching job at Delta State prior to the 2013 season. Since taking the reins, Cooley has led the Statesmen to 82 wins, with at least 9 wins in a season four times, and four trips to the NCAA Division II playoffs. In those postseason runs in 2014, 2017, 2022, and 2023, Delta State advanced to the second round before falling short. Each of those seasons also saw the team finish among the country's top 25 teams in Division II, with a top 10 finish in the AFCA poll at the end of the 2022 season.
Cooley's Impact at Delta State
Cooley's impact at Delta State extends beyond the wins and losses. He led the program to three Gulf South Conference titles, a small but mighty league that includes powerhouses like Valdosta State and West Florida, both of which have made national title game appearances in recent years. Cooley's leadership has also earned him the league's Coach of the Year honor four times (2013, 2014, and 2022).
Contract Extension and Recent Success
In January 2024, after a stellar 21-4 record over the previous two seasons, Cooley and the school agreed to a contract extension, though the details remain confidential. The 2025 season marked his 13th as head coach, ending with a 7-3 record and impressive offensive and defensive statistics. The team averaged over 36 points per game offensively and allowed less than 20 points per game defensively.
Golding's Connection to Delta State
Golding's connection to Delta State runs deep. He played and coached there, serving as the defensive coordinator in his final two seasons on staff (2010 and 2011). His move to Tusculum as defensive coordinator followed, where he spent three seasons before returning to his alma mater. Golding's rise through the ranks continued with stops at Southeastern Louisiana (FCS), Southern Miss, and UTSA, before being hand-picked by Nick Saban to join the Crimson Tide staff in 2016 as co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach.
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